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Much real pain is caused, to a rightly constituted mind, by the failure of fondly cherished anticipations. To trace the causes of moral declensions is a most important exercise. As these are discovered, we are put on our guard.

I. THE CONDUCT OF EPHRAIM.

1. The persons with whom he associated. Described as "the people," that is, the idolatrous remnants of the nations originally possessing the land. The separation of Israel from other nations was a type of the separation into which God has ever called His believing people from persons of sinful and worldly principles and character. Scripture injunctions, in relation to this, are far from being regarded by professed Christians as they should.

2. The character of Ephraim's association with these parties. "Mixed himself among them." Friendly and intimate association. It is such intercourse the Christian ought to avoid. We are not required to abstain from all intercourse, but from such intimacy as would bring us into evil influence. In unrestrained intercourse with the world, a Christian is often led to go farther than consistency sanctions. A Christian too much mixes himself with the world —

(1) When his chosen associates and most intimate friends are selected from the world.

(2) When he allows himself to participate in the dishonourable principles or pursuits of worldly men.

(3) When he is found frequently mingling in the pleasures of the world.

3. The voluntary and spontaneous nature of this association. Ephraim was not forced into, but he "mixed himself" among them. To a certain extent, the Christian not only may but must mingle with the world. That is a very different thing from courting the society of men of the world.

II. THE CHARACTER OF EPHRAIM, AS THE RESULT OF HIS CONDUCT, "A cake not turned." The figure intimates —

1. The undecided character of his religion.

2. The worthlessness of such religion.

(1)  As the ground of personal safety.

(2)  As a source of personal enjoyment, and as the means of support and consolation under trial.

(3)  As a means of security against danger and temptation.

(4)  In exerting a beneficial influence on the minds of worldly men.

III. THE PERSONAL INSTRUCTION WHICH THE CONSIDERATION OF SUCH A CHARACTER MAY SUPPLY.

1. How important that worldly minded men and undecided persons should correctly understand their real position.

2. How needful that they who have any regard to their spiritual interests should exercise great circumspection as to the characters and habits of those with whom they familiarly associate.

3. How desirable that Christians, by a more decided and elevated tone of spirituality in feeling and conduct, should make the line of separation between the Church and the world more apparent. This is required in view of your own spiritual well-being, and in order to the graciousness of your influence on others.

(H. Bromley.)

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KJV: Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned.

WEB: Ephraim, he mixes himself among the nations. Ephraim is a pancake not turned over.